for keeps

for keeps  {adv. phr.}
1. For the winner to keep.
They played marbles for keeps.
2.  {informal}
For always; forever,
He left town for keeps.
Syn.: FOR GOOD.
3. Seriously, not just for fun.
This is not a joke, it's for keeps.
- Often used in the phrase "play for keeps".
The policeman knew that the robber was trying to shoot him. He was playing for keeps.
Categories: adverb informal
Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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